10 health risks of ultra-processed foods

RFK Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, wants to “make America healthy again,” and his plan in this area includes a number of things, including: This includes ultra-processed foods, food coloring, and waging a war on food. additives. it's true ultra-processed foods It can spell disaster for your health in the long run. Processing usually alters the natural state of the food and removes essential nutrients.
Many ingredients are added during the process, including sugar, salt, fat, artificial colors and preservatives. Additionally, additives such as artificial colors, flavors, and stabilizers may be added. Examples of ultra-processed foods include frozen foods, soft drinks, hot dogs and cold cuts, fast foods, packaged cookies, cakes, and salty snacks.
Here are 10 health risks of ultra-processed foods.

1. Heart disease

Bingeing on your favorite ultra-processed foods may seem harmless in the moment, but it can have serious effects on your heart health in the long run. A study published in The Lancet found that eating more ultra-processed foods (UPF) among American adults increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Studies from various countries also suggest a small increased risk of stroke.

2. Type 2 diabetes

Ultra-processed foods are loaded with hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates, all of which are a deadly combination that can lead to the development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. People who consume less fiber, vitamins, minerals, and unprocessed foods are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

3. Mental health disorders

Eating junk food regularly can have a negative impact on your mental health. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that high intakes of UPF increased the odds of developing symptoms of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety by 53%.

4. Cancer

Eating processed foods can cause more damage to your body than you might imagine. According to Lancet Planetary Health, increased intake of processed foods increases the risk of overall cancer, head and neck cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, colon cancer, rectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and postmenopausal breast cancer. may increase.

5. Obesity

Eating junk food can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Ultra-processed products are energy-dense and high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars and sodium, which can lead to obesity and associated health problems.

6. Junk food addiction

There's a reason why ultra-processed foods are highly addictive and make you feel safe when you eat them. Eating these foods activates the brain's reward centers in a similar way to nicotine and alcohol. People commonly experience strong cravings for these ultra-processed foods, which can lead to addiction.

7. Digestive problems

Junk food is low in fiber and essential nutrients, and high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and additives. This can affect digestion and cause a variety of intestinal health problems.

8. Malnutrition

Ultra-processed foods lack vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, nutrients that nourish the body and perform many important functions. Consuming too much of these foods can cause nutritional deficiencies.

9. High cholesterol

Junk and ultra-processed foods are prepared using hydrogenated oils that are high in trans fats. May increase LDL cholesterol levels.

10. Mortality rate

A review published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in 2024 found that eating more ultra-processed foods was linked to a higher risk of death from all causes and increased risk of heart disease, poor mental health, type 2 diabetes and more. Other issues.